Multiple sources tell GoLocal that Rep. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick) is considering a run for lieutenant governor in 2014. With this in mind, GoLocal spoke to Shekarchi today to get the facts.

Shekarchi told GoLocal that he’s currently “considering all options” and is waiting to see what the future holds in terms of his political future.

“The next election is a year away,” said Shekarchi. “At this point I’m getting ready for the next General Assembly session.”

When pressed about the $126,066.59 that he currently has in his war chest, Shekarchi said that he never wants to refuse a donation. Shekarchi admitted that many of the donations are from individuals urging him to run for various political offices, including lieutenant governor.

Former State Rep. David Caprio Tapped for New State Democratic Party Chair

GoLocal has learned that House Speaker Gordon Fox will recommend former Rhode Island State Representative David Caprio as the next chairman of the Rhode Island Democratic State Committee.

Fox spokesman Larry Berman confirmed the news on Friday, telling GoLocal that the Speaker will place Caprio’s name in nomination when members convene at a meeting on October 3 in Cranston.

As for why Speaker Fox is recommending Caprio, Berman told GoLocal: “While there were many outstanding individuals who expressed interest in his position, Speaker Fox has recommended David because of his experience as a lawmaker, leader and party activist.”

Berman went on to add that Speaker Fox is confident that Caprio will do an outstanding job in his new and important role.

Caprio will succeed former RI Democratic chairman Ed Pacheco, who stepped down in April to run for secretary of state.

Caprio served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 1999 to 2011, representing portions of South Kingstown and Narragansett. He currently works as an attorney for the Providence law firm Caprio and Caprio and is a real estate investor.

Rep. Cicilline Slams GOP Leadership for Cuts to Nutritional Programs

Last night, U.S. Congressman David N. Cicilline voted against the Nutrition Reform and Work Opportunity Act, a Republican proposal to cut basic food aid through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by nearly $40 billion. Despite considerable opposition to the bill, it passed the House by a 217-210 margin.

“Once again, House Republicans have decided that instead of working to come to a bipartisan agreement on the Farm Bill, they’re going to pander to the far right wing of their party and, by doing so, impose real hardships on America’s working families and put many children at risk of going hungry all across our country,” said Cicilline. “While they protect generous subsidies for agricultural corporations, Republicans are threatening the food security of the most vulnerable Americans.”

“The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides critical food and nutrition support for hardworking families in cities and towns across Rhode Island, with the United States Department of Agriculture estimating that more than 180,000 Rhode Islanders rely on this important program every day,” added Cicilline. “That’s why it is especially disturbing that Tea Party Republicans are now demanding such deep, painful cuts to nutrition assistance programs at a time when so many Americans are still looking for good-paying jobs.”

The Republican bill would take away state governors’ ability to waive SNAP’s harsh time limit for people looking for work in time of high unemployment. Additionally, the House bill could cut school lunches for over 200,000 children and eliminate food assistance for 170,000 veterans.

Rep. Gallison joins Environment RI in Call for Reduction in Power Plant Pollution

As Environment Rhode Island today released a report on the pollution caused by power plants locally and nationwide, Rep. Raymond E. Gallison Jr. joined the organization in calling for reductions in carbon emissions at the Brayton Point power plant in Somerset, Mass., which outputs carbon pollution across Mount Hope Bay and into his district. The report indicates the plant is the largest source of global-warming pollution in the Rhode Island area.

“Bristol has one of New England’s biggest carbon polluters right in our backyard. To ensure the health and safety of current and future Bristolians and Rhode Islanders, we need EPA to act to rein in power plant pollution,” said Rep. Gallison (D-Dist. 69, Bristol, Portsmouth).

Here's what the report had to say:

America’s power plants are its single largest source of carbon pollution, responsible for 40 percent of emissions nationwide.

In Rhode Island, the top five dirtiest power plants for carbon are Entergy’s Johnston power plant, the Manchester Street Power Station in Providence, the Tiverton Power Plant, and the two Ocean State Power facilities in Harrisville.

The Brayton Point power plant in nearby Somerset, Mass, produces nearly as much carbon pollution as all Rhode Island’s power plants combined, with 3.3 metric tons annually, or as much carbon as 679,923 passenger vehicles emit in a year.

U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a co-chairman of the Bicameral Task Force on Climate Change, is applauding newly proposed limits from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on carbon pollution from new power plants. The proposed rules would apply to coal and natural gas-fired power plants built in the future, and would help reduce the carbon pollution that is contributing to global climate change.

“For far too long, carbon pollution from power plants has gone unchecked” said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). “These new standards from EPA will reduce the pollution that’s been wreaking havoc on our oceans, atmosphere, and health. They will also help limit the effects of climate change on future generations. The EPA is sending a strong message to polluting industries that it’s time for them to clean up their act.”

According to a recent report by Environment America, power plants account for nearly 41 percent of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to today’s proposed limits on new plants, EPA is expected to announce limits next year for existing power plants.